nutcracker definition - Dictionary

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nutcracker

nut·crack·er [ nút kràkər ] (plural nut·crack·ers)

noun

Definition:

1. tool for cracking nuts' shells: a tool for cracking hard nutshells, usually consisting of two hinged metal arms between which the nut is squeezed

2. bird that eats pine nuts: a bird of the crow family that feeds mainly on nuts and the seeds of pines. Native to: Europe, Asia, western North America. Genus Nucifraga.

Cultural Note


	The Nutcracker, a ballet (1892) by Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Based on Hoffmann's The Nutcracker and the King of the Mice, it depicts the dream of a young girl during which her nutcracker turns into a handsome prince who leads her to the magical realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Though the story is particularly popular with children, the music and choreography have universal and lasting appeal.